Zanzibar City City Guide

Local dishes like Zanzibar Pizza and Urojo are a must. International cuisines are available, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options in Stone Town. Street food is popular at night.

Nightlife is laid-back, mostly in hotels and a few Stone Town bars. It's quieter compared to bigger cities.

Developing scene with some third-wave cafés. Spiced coffee is traditional here.

Tipping is appreciated, but not required. Round up bills or add 10% in restaurants.

SIM cards from providers like Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo can be bought at the airport or in Stone Town. ID registration is required. eSIMs are not widely supported.

Cleanliness varies. Tourist areas are better maintained but residential areas can lag behind.

24/7 services are mostly limited. Late food and pharmacies are scarce.

Larger supermarkets like Shoprite and Quality Centre offer international products, though selection is sometimes limited. Fresh produce and spices are best from local markets like Darajani.

Cash is widely preferred, especially with small vendors. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants, but reliability varies. Mobile money is common for local transactions.

ATMs can be found in Stone Town near banks like NMB and CRDB Bank. Expect withdrawal and potential international fees. Best to withdraw larger amounts to minimize costs.

Schools like Zanzibar International School offer international curricula, mainly in English. Timing and waitlists vary, so it's best to contact directly.

The digital nomad community is small but growing, with meetups and some co-living options.

Forodhani Gardens is a key green space. Otherwise, options are limited, with shaded areas mainly in Stone Town.

Run by the waterfront in Stone Town, but it's busier in the day. Be cautious at night.

Gyms are typically within hotels, with some offering day passes for visitors.

Courts are at some hotels and resorts, while padel is rare.

Padel facilities are limited, mostly at select private clubs.

Studios offer different styles. Resorts also host yoga sessions, often with English-speaking instructors.

Limited options for martial arts. Some gyms offer basic classes.

Zanzibar doesn't have skiing facilities.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are common, especially at resorts outside Stone Town.

Surfing is best on the southeast coast. Paje and Jambiani are popular spots with schools and rentals.

Diving is excellent, with sites like Mnemba Atoll offering rich marine life. Good for all levels with available certifications.

Public hospitals like Mnazi Mmoja offer basic services. Private clinics such as Tasakhtaa Global Hospital provide better care and often have English-speaking staff.

Tap water is not considered safe to drink. Stick to bottled water.

Zanzibar City offers family-friendly attractions like Spice Farm tours and Jozani Forest. Cafés and parks are growing in number.

Same-sex activities are criminalized, and societal acceptance is low. Public displays of affection are not recommended. Very few safe spaces exist.

Pet services are limited. Strict import rules apply to bring pets. Some accommodations might allow pets but check first.